Lions and Foden's continued support

As 2014 draws to a close Lions Youth Brass can look back on another successful year, and one where they have continued to enhance their partnership with The Foden's Band.

Once again the band has had another successful contest season, achieving Gold and runners-up at the National Youth Championships and they also appeared in the Regional Finals of Music for Youth where they had the great experience of appearing at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

Foden's Band provided both workshops and individual tuition to assist with the preparation for both of these events.

In September the Organisations percussionists were given individual tuition by Mark Landon and other individual sessions were given by Mark Wilkinson, Stuart Baglin, John Barber and Glyn Williams. As always the bands Associate Conductor, Mike Fowles, has been a regular visitor to the band, and his wealth of musical experience and encouragement has been of great support to Musical Director Nigel Birch.

As the band look forward to more exciting projects in 2015 they have already rehearsals booked with Mike Fowles, a workshop booked and also several players will take part in a Foden's rehearsal, as a result of winning the Lions Slow Melody Competition. Also, there will be more concert and solo performance opportunities later in the year.

Finally, like all bands, Lions are always looking for new music, and they are currently working with Ian Raisbeck, Co-ordinator of The Foden's Youth Band, and Andy Scott, Foden's Composer-in-Residence, on new compositions and arrangements to add to their repertoire for 2015.

Speaking on behalf of the band Nigel Birch commented 'we are extremely fortunate to be able to work with one of the finest bands in the country on such a regular basis and with us both being based in the same town is a great community collaboration.'

Foden's band maintains a world class reputation for providing entertainment in the field of brass music with a tradition and unique styleMark Wilkinson